If we are to discuss the music of South London native Hector Plimmer, it is best to stay away from the idea of genre. Sure one could possibly sort out various elements in terms of the type of music he creates, but to even dwell that far into dissection is almost to miss the beauty and craftsmanship of his art. If a description just had to be placed on his new LP ‘Sunshine’, possibly sonic voodoo could come close. Perhaps dream state music is appropriate. No matter what description one chooses to attribute to Plimmer’s sound, one thing is certain, Sunshine is truly a gorgeous ray of light, lifting and point blank beautiful.
‘Let’s Stay’ begins the album, a soothing pull into a heavenly space where marching drum kicks and chimes gently coincide with added chirps; the bliss has started. ‘Bulb’ is the shifting of mood as Plimmer’s wizardry of beat crafting results in a minimal and slightly haunting soundscape. Whilst ‘Kalimba’ is a juggling act of drum alchemy and atmospheric synth blankets, ‘Sunshine’ uses the soulful vocals of And Is Phi to weave between the spacious, slow-pounding kicks. Tracks like ‘I Wish’ showcase Hector Plimmer’s power as a musical hypnotist as tribal knocks, semi-muted vocals and fairy tale-like additives all gracefully dance around one another, reflecting an unquestionable brilliance. ‘Lonely Man’ will surely appeal to beat fanatics who fiend for pitched down vocal samples and chops, but ‘Eastern System’ yet again places the spotlight on Plimmer’s masterful ability to culture clash worldly sounds into a meditative yet non-boring manner, continually enticing the listener to ride the entire duration of his musical voyage. ‘Shiver’ rounds out the ten track album as easing strokes of the accordion and more mystic drum programming all act as the long kiss goodbye, a gorgeous send off until the next meeting.
Sunshine may well indeed compete as one of the top albums of 2017, but in all reality, what matters is the moment of now. Like a true piece of art, the timelessness of the work is where the importance lie and Hector Plimmer’s latest record is definitely classic material.
Sunshine is out the 17th of March via Albert’s Favourites.